System and method for open control and monitoring of biological instruments

ABSTRACT

A system and methods for integrating laboratory instrumentation and applications to provide a unified control and coordination architecture under a common interface. The system may be adapted to a variety of different hardware and software components wherein the individual functionalities and input/output data types for each component are recognized and incorporated into a centralized control and monitoring system.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/386,296 entitled “Informatics System Architecture” filed Jun. 4, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/411,574 entitled “Integration Instructions For Informatics System Architecture” filed Sep. 16, 2002 which are hereby incorporated by reference. Additionally, this application relates to the following co-pending applications filed on the same date which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: attorney docket number ABIOS.045A entitled “System And Method For Discovery Of Biological Instruments”, attorney docket number ABIOS.046A entitled “System And Method For Providing A Standardized State Interface For Instrumentation”, and attorney docket number ABIOS.047A entitled “System And Method For Generating User Interfaces For Different Instrument Types”.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] The present invention relates to computer-controlled biological instrumentation, and in particular to controlling information flow to and from biological instruments.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Biological laboratories, in particular those focused on genetic and molecular biological work, employ a wide variety of instrumentation in order to perform experiments and analysis. A given test, or assay, may require, as an example, the use of an electrophoresis component, a thermalcycler component, a mass spectroscopy, and/or a gene sequencer. To further complicate matters, some assays require the manipulation of hundreds if not thousands of separate physical samples, each of which is desirably processed through a complex battery of tests, the collected data from which must then be analyzed by secondary analytical instrumentation before creating the intended result. In addition, the physical and logistical demands of the laboratory increasingly require the use of robotics as well as human participants in order to locate and deliver samples to the proper instrumentation.

[0006] The necessary complexity of the laboratory situation is worsened further by the difficult nature of communication. Each instrument, robot, and hardware or software application has input and output parameters/information which must be properly configured in order to be utilized. This may include experiment(al) parameters, commands, or catalog information. Unfortunately, because not all biological instruments were designed to communicate with each other, human intervention is frequently required to coordinate the activities of each instrument. Normally, a centralized information flow control system would be desirable in order to reduce human requirements and errors. However, because a particular laboratory environment may contain many different instruments, produced by different manufacturers and with different requirements, it is difficult to integrate instruments as they exist into a unified system. Furthermore, as new instruments are integrated into the laboratory environment with existing systems, additional difficulties may be encountered due to configuration limitations arising from a previous laboratory setup.

SUMMARY

[0007] The aforementioned needs are satisfied by the assembly of the present invention which, in one aspect, is comprised of a communications and control system for a biological laboratory having at least one user-interfaced client for controlling and monitoring biological assays and a plurality of instruments, each with at least one associated logical component, for obtaining identification information about biological samples.

[0008] The control system is comprised of a plurality of logical components for the instruments that receive commands from the laboratory management system and instruct the plurality of instruments to process at least one biological sample. The plurality of logical components includes at least one sample analyzer logical component for at least one sample analyzer that receives commands from the management system. The at least one sample analyzer is instructed by the at least one sample analyzer logical component to obtain identification information about the biological sample.

[0009] Another aspect of present invention is a central management component in communication with the laboratory management system, wherein the central management component identifies at least one pre-defined set of instrument instructions for controlling the operation of the plurality of instruments or for communicating with the plurality of instruments. This central management component has at least one data structure that identifies the logical location of the plurality of logical components including the at least one sample analyzer logical component. In one specific embodiment, additional instruments having associated logical components can be added to the management system by updating the data structure as to the logical location of the logical component of the additional instrument. The logical components can be added such that the management component is made aware of the logical location of the logical components associated with the instrument, and the additional instrument can be controlled by a user via the user-interfaced client that is connected to the central management component. This can be accomplished without requiring modification of the at least one pre-defined set of instructions or modification of the at least one user-interfaced client.

[0010] The invention also implements a control and communications system for a biological laboratory having at least one sample analyzer and biological data processor. The system comprises a client component having a user interface that allows a user to gain access and control or monitor the operation of biological instruments in the biological laboratory. It also involves a plurality of instrument components associated with each of the plurality of instruments.

[0011] The plurality of instrument components includes a sample analyzer that receives commands selected from at least one pre-set list of commands from the control system and translates the commands into a format that induces an associated sample analyzer. The purpose is to obtain identification information about the biological sample. An instrument component for biological data processor receives commands selected from at least one pre-set list of commands from the control system and translates the commands into a format that induces an associated biological data processor. The data processor analyzes the identification information obtained by the sample analyzer and provides signals indicative of the analysis.

[0012] The central management also includes at least one directory that provides information to the client component as to the logical location of the plurality of instrument components. The directory embodiment functions in such a way that the client component can determine how to access the plurality of instrument components by reference to the at least one directory. At least one directory includes information about one pre-set list of commands, at minimum, that the client component can use to send signals to the plurality of instrument components to induce the sample analyzer to obtain the identification information. The sample analyzer will then induce the biological data processor to analyze the identification information.

[0013] Another specific embodiment of the central management component is a messaging service that transmits messages to and from the plurality of instrument components and the client component. The messaging service is constructed in a standardized format wherein at least one directory and the client component are configured such that additional instruments can be added to the laboratory. Instruments are added to the laboratory by first associating an instrument component with the instrument itself. The system then updates at least one directory with information about the logical location of the instrument component and at least one pre-set list of commands for the instrument component. This can be accomplished without requiring the modification of the at least one pre-set list of commands or modification of the client component.

[0014] The present invention also presents a method of controlling the operation of a biological laboratory. The method involves associating an instrument component with a biological sample analyzer such that the instrument component translates received instructions to the biological sample analyzer. The biological sample analyzer can then be instructed to capture identification information about a biological sample.

[0015] Another specific aspect of the method is associating an instrument component with a biological data processor such that the instrument component translates received instructions to the biological data processor. This function allows the biological data processor to be instructed to analyze identification information captured by the biological sample analyzer.

[0016] In addition, the method also maintains a directory of the information for each of the instrument components within the laboratory such that a user interface can determine by accessing the directory. The user can access the directory and determine which of at least one pre-set list of instructions are implemented by each instrument component, so that the user interface can access an instrument to implement a process.

[0017] The method will also add an additional instrument into the biological laboratory by associating an instrument component to the newly added instrument and updating the directory as to the instrument component. This allows the new instrument to be accessed by the user interface to implement a process without requiring modification of the user interface or to any of the at least one pre-set list of instructions. These and other objects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A computer-implemented biological data collection and analysis system will now be described with reference to the following drawings:

[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram for an open system for controlling and monitoring biological data collection and analysis instruments over a network.

[0020]FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram for an abstraction of the components of the system of FIG. 1 along with common communications pathways.

[0021]FIGS. 3A and B illustrate example block diagrams describing two exemplary messaging processes.

[0022]FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram describing components of the instrument directory of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram describing components of an instrument software interface.

[0024]FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart of a process that occurs when a new biological instrument is introduced into the system.

[0025]FIG. 7 illustrates an example flowchart of a process that occurs as part of the process of FIG. 5 when an instrument is connected to and registers with the system.

[0026]FIG. 8 illustrates an example flowchart of a process that occurs as part of the process of FIG. 7 when an instrument registers with the system.

[0027]FIG. 9 illustrates an example flowchart of a process that occurs as part of the process of FIG. 7 when a laboratory management system discovers instrument type information.

[0028]FIG. 10 illustrates an example flowchart of a process that occurs when the system uses a connected and registered instrument to collect data results.

[0029]FIG. 11 illustrates an example list of functions enumerated in a instrument service provider interface.

[0030] FIGS. 12A-B illustrate an example set of XML data describing container parameters for a biological instrument.

[0031]FIG. 13 illustrates an example set of XML data describing container settings for a biological instrument.

[0032]FIG. 14 illustrates an example set of XML data describing manual control parameters for a biological instrument.

[0033]FIG. 15 illustrates an example XML schema describing the structure of data describing container parameters.

[0034]FIG. 16 illustrates an example XML schema describing the structure of data describing container assay parameters.

[0035]FIG. 17 illustrates and example XML schema describing the structure of data describing manual control parameters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward providing an open framework for biological instrumentation and analysis. As will be described below, embodiments of the present invention provide an open, extendable system for performing biological data collection and analysis. Further, embodiments of the system provide for various levels of abstraction of biological instrumentation, along with mechanisms for remotely discovering instrumentation requirements and results formats without requiring direct communication with individual instruments. Thus, wide varieties of instruments, including ones not yet created, can be introduced to the system without requiring lengthy setup time inefficient use of computing and human resources.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of the open framework system is illustrated. A network 100 provides connection between the various components of the system. The composition of the network 100 can vary and can be, by way of example, the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network, or a local Ethernet network. Unless otherwise indicated, the functions described herein are preferably performed by executable code and instructions running on one or more general-purpose computers. However, the present invention can also be implemented using special purpose computers, state machines, and/or hardwired electronic circuits. The term computer can include one or more co-located or geographically distributed computers.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, a principal investigator 102 inputs a series of data collection and analysis tasks, a “workflow,” to a computer 102 running a laboratory instrument management system, or “LIMS.” The principal investigator is generally the person with the primary control over the types of experiments performed in a lab and the direct research will take. Besides the LIMS computer, the principal investigator 102 utilizes a viewing computer 106, which provides reports on experiments and data collection. By utilizing the illustrated embodiment and thus being freed from having to control instruments individually, the principal investigator 102 is able to perform some, or all, laboratory experiments using only the LIMS computer 104 and the viewing computer 106.

[0039] A laboratory manager 108 is also illustrated, along with a second viewing computer 110. The laboratory manager has the principal task of monitoring the progress of data collection and making sure that the lab's instrumentation is in proper working order. While the principal investigator 102 utilizes the viewing computer primarily for the monitoring of data acquisition and analysis, the laboratory manager's viewing computer provides status reports on the various instruments connected to the system. By utilizing the system in this manner, the laboratory manager can monitor the state of an entire lab from a central location, making it less likely that instrument errors or maintenance needs will be missed.

[0040] The system also comprises software components which provide for instrument abstraction and instrument lookup. The first illustrated software component is the instrument directory 112, which maintains basic registration information about instruments connected to the system. The information maintained by the registry typically includes types of interfaces each instrument supports, instrument-specific information such as serial number and physical location, and identifiers and network locations of each instrument's service providers, as will be explained. In one embodiment, the instrument directory 112 also keeps track of the availability of instruments, deleting instrument records as instruments become inactive or go offline.

[0041] The instrument directory 112 also maintains information which can be used to locate instrument type servers on the network. The instrument type servers have the primary responsibility of maintaining and providing information about types of instruments rather than instruments at the individual level. Instrument type servers are represented in FIG. 1 as instrument type servers 114 a and 114 b, although other embodiments may include fewer or greater numbers of instrument type servers. The instrument type server provides the LIMS computer 104 information about instrument requirements, such as containers or assays that are supported by the instrument, so that the LIMS can prepare appropriate inputs for instruments. Additionally, instrument type servers provide parameters for manual control of instruments. The mechanisms of both the instrument directory and the instrument type server, as well as instrument abstraction and interfaces, will be described in greater detail below.

[0042] A messaging service 118 is also illustrated in FIG. 1. As will be described in greater detail below, the messaging service provides the system a mechanism whereby control messages and results can be sent between the LIMS software, the instrument directory, any instrument type servers, and the various instruments without requiring direct communication between components. The messaging service provides a common interface whereby the components can asynchronously send messages between each other without sacrificing resources. Optionally, a data storage device 120 is included in the system for remote storage of results after data collection. Optionally, data is stored locally with the instruments. Another non-instrument component of the system are the instrument control computers 122. These computers contain service provider software 123 which provides control over the instruments as well as provide status updates to the system. As will be described below, service providers implement one or more pre-determined software interfaces which other system components can use to communicate with an instrument in a way that will be understood by each component. While each instrument typically has at least one service provider associated with it, in some embodiments an instrument is controlled or monitored by more than one service provider. The multiple service providers are allowed to run on separate machines. The control of instruments is described in greater detail below. Typically, most instrument communication is done via the instrument control computer, which relays this information to the instrument itself.

[0043] The system optionally comprises at least one instrument. Examples of these instruments are illustrated in FIG. 1 in blocks 130, 134, 136, 140, 142, and 144. Some instruments, such as robotics apparatus 130, electrophoresis system 134, thermalcycler system 136, and a mass spectroscopy system 138, have associated biological samples 150 from which they gather data. Other instruments, such as the thermalcycler 144 or the robotic apparatus 130, optionally do not collect data; in the case of the thermal cycler 144, its purpose is to prepare biological samples for further testing by amplifying the material present within the sample. Additionally, the system can optionally provide for instruments such as the analysis computer 142, which perform analysis without requiring contact with physical samples. Instead, the analysis computer mathematically 142 analyses already-collected data 160 to produce its results. In addition, pictured in blocks 132 and 140 are optional networking and service computers. These computers provide for the use of instruments that do not have their own network adapters or communications abilities, by creating a middleware interface between the instrument and the network. Typically, this is done when the instrument was designed to connect to its control computer through a serial interface rather than over a network. This instrument wrapping allows the system to interact with the networking and service computer as if it were the instrument and to not have to take into consideration peculiarities of the instrument's communications system. The instrument wrapping also allows service calls to be made to the instrument from outside the system, allowing a lab manager to check in instrument integrity remotely where otherwise the lab manager would have to perform checks physically at each instrument.

[0044]FIG. 1 demonstrates some important and advantageous features of the system. Rather than requiring direct connections between instruments, the system described by FIG. 1 utilizes a network, freeing a laboratory manager from requirements that instruments which communicate with each other must be in close proximity. Similarly, the use of the network allows monitoring laboratory technicians and investigators the freedom to perform assays and check instrument progress remotely. And because each component of the system is connected to the network more or less individually, and not in association with other components, instruments and computers are made easier to swap out and replace or upgrade. The distributed architecture of the system also helps prevent the failure of one component from interfering with the operation of other components.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of abstract system components is illustrated. Various illustrated components are represented as in communication with each other. As represented in FIG. 1, one embodiment of these communications is through a common network using networking protocols such as TCP/IP. In another embodiment, the components may have dedicated connections between each other. The ordering of the exemplary laboratory components 210-230 is meant to represent basic important tools used by most biological laboratory manipulating genetic material in a simple order of use. Each is represented as a possible plurality of tools, and none should be take to represent any particular model or brand of component, but rather a broad class of components. The exact make up of a laboratory will likely differ from the one illustrated in FIG. 2. However, FIG. 2 demonstrates an important inventive aspect of the system in that it abstracts and communicates with each type of instrument in a laboratory, providing control and monitoring throughout the experimentation process.

[0046] An exemplary ordering of abstract instruments is illustrated beginning with the sample storage 210. In a typical laboratory the component represented by block 210 would be, in one embodiment, a sample storage room, where biological samples are stored until being located and retrieved for use. The next illustrated component is the sample transfer 215. In one embodiment of a laboratory, this is a mechanized robotic apparatus which locates biological samples through the use of automated indicators, such as a bar code system. Next a sample multiplexer 220 is illustrated. In one embodiment this block represents a thermalcycler system, which allows biological samples to be amplified in number or quantity before being analyzed. Next illustrated is a sample analyzer 225, which can take the amplified physical sample from the component 220 and analyze it to produce digital data describing the sample. One example of this would be a gene sequencer; another would be a bio-informatics platform. Block 230 illustrates a sample data processor, which processes digital data taken from analysis machines and produces data describing secondary characteristics. And example of this type of component would be a mutation analyzer.

[0047] Associated with each of the components 210-230 is an illustrated service provider 235, which provides translation and communication for the instrument, in methods that will be illustrated later. These service providers are in communication, in turn, with the messaging service 205, which provides a general routing and clearing house for communications in the system. In one embodiment, the messaging service 205 is provided by a server implementing the Java Messaging Service® protocol. The use of the messaging service 205 provides easier expandability and quick connection to the system by allowing components to communicate without making direct connections between each other for most communications. Exemplary processes of sending messages through the messaging server are represented below in the discussion with respect to FIG. 4.

[0048] The messaging service is also in communication with at least one client component 240. In one embodiment, a client component represents a laboratory management system, such as the LIMS computer 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. The at least one client component 240 also represents viewers, such as viewing computers 104 and 110 in FIG. 1. The at least one client component 240 is also in communication with the instrument directory 245, which stores and serves information about particular instruments; this corresponds to the instrument directory 112 in FIG. 1. Direct communication with the instrument directory 245 is useful in one embodiment because the directory holds network addresses which are needed when sending messages through the messaging service, as will be described below. More contents of the instrument directory will be described in greater detail below in the discussion with respect to FIG. 4.

[0049] Also illustrated is at least one instrument type server 250, which corresponds to the instrument type servers 114 a and 114 b of FIG. 1 and serve information about types of instruments to clients. These type servers are also in communication primarily through the messaging service 205. Not illustrated are certain limited communications between the instrument directory 245 and the at least one type server 250 and instrument service providers 240 for the purposes of registration. Similarly to the direct communication between clients and the instrument directory mentioned above, these limited communications are allowed so that the instrument directory can remain available independently of the messaging service. This is done so that communication can happen before addresses are known to the directory or messaging service, or while addresses are changing, which may cause messaging service confusion. The various communication processes between these components will be described in greater detail below.

[0050] While FIG. 2 represents components of the system in an abstract way, it demonstrates a chief advantage of the open framework in that instrumentation is accessed and communicated with through consistent software pathways, e.g. the messaging service 205 communicating with the service providers 235. And because the system can support most types of instrumentation, as exemplified by components 210-230, the messaging diagram of FIG. 2 is able to support the majority of control and monitoring work in any laboratory. Finally, the use of a messaging service means that components need to maintain very little information about each other or the networks on which they communicate, allowing simpler interoperability and addition of new components.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram is illustrated demonstrating two exemplary messaging processes utilizing the message server. While the message passing in FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of system, other embodiments may combine steps or add new ones. The Point-to-Point Messaging process illustrated in FIG. 3a is commonly used when one member of the system, in this example a client, wants to send a message to another component, in this example an instrument. One particularly useful method of point-to-point messaging is the request/response method, whereby a request for an action is sent to a message receiver with the expectation that a response will be returned. The response can alternately contain new information, the status of the request task, or an acknowledgement message. In the example given in FIG. 3a, a message is sent from a client in order to send a command request to an instrument; this is followed by a response sent back to the client. The use of requests followed by responses is well known. In one embodiment, the client sending the request pauses any computation it is performing while waiting for the response; in another, the client continues with its processes while waiting for a response. In other embodiments, the message is not a command request, but rather information sent to the receiving component. In yet another embodiment, a response is not sent to the originating component.

[0052] The illustrated process begins with step 1, where the client software makes a request from the instrument directory to lookup the address of the instrument to which the client wants to send a command request. Continuing to step 2, the instrument directory returns an address to the client. In accordance with the abstraction principles at work in the system, the address given by the directory is that of the instrument's service provider, which is configured to accept messages from the messaging service, rather than the particular hardware of the instrument, which may have no knowledge of the larger system. In one embodiment this address is an IP network address. In other embodiments, the address is a system-defined identifier of the instrument, such as a set of one or more descriptive strings, that is later resolved into a network address by the messaging service, as will be understood. Having received the address, the client software then, in step 3, packages the message and address and sends these to the messaging service for forwarding. At this point, the client no longer has to concern itself with delivery of the message and can either wait for a response, or continue any other processing that it requires.

[0053] In step 4, the message is packaged and send to the instrument software. In step 5, the instrument software translates the received message into commands that will be understood by the instrument hardware and delivers these to the hardware itself. After processing the commands, the hardware may then give a response in step 6. In one embodiment, this is a data object representing the result of a data processing request sent in the client message. In another, this response is a result code announcing the success or failure of the received commands. In yet another, the response is a standard status report. Because the hardware may not know about the larger system, this response will usually be in a format defined by the hardware, and thus not necessarily recognizable by the client software. Thus, having received the response, the instrument software then, in step 7, does any translation necessary for understanding of the response and sends the response to the messaging service for return to the client. In step 8, the response is forwarded by the messaging service to the client, which, if it was holding computation while waiting for the response, resumes computation.

[0054] Referring now to the Publish/Subscribe Messaging diagram of 3b, a process is illustrated whereby a subscriber component, in this example a client, wishes to receive messages as they are made available by a publisher component, in this example an instrument. The publish/subscribe model is commonly used for status or event messages; in the illustrated example a subscription for status messages is used. This method allows the creator of the messages, the publisher, to inform more than one subscriber without having to send multiple messages or know the identity of any one subscriber. One example is a client wishing to know when a lengthy analysis process has been completed by an instrument. In this circumstance, the publish/subscribe method allows the instrument to signal that it has completed to any interested component without having to send a message to each component and while allowing new components to make themselves available for the completion message whenever it comes.

[0055] The process starts at step 1 where the instrument software lists topics to which it will be publishing messages in the instrument directory. In the illustrated example, this topic list includes a status topic. Typically, this is done during the instrument registration process, which will be described in greater detail below. As mentioned above, in the discussion with respect to FIG. 2, there are occasional times when instrument software must communicate directly with the instrument directory; in one embodiment the registration process is one of those times. Next, at step 2 the client software requests a list of topics for the instrument from the instrument directory, and receives a list of those topics at step 3. In one embodiment, the topic list contains a general status topic and a general event topic; in another more detailed topics are listed. Next, in a step 4 the client, after deciding which topics it would like to subscribe to, sends a subscribe request to the messaging service. At this point, the client has completed a subscription and can now wait to receive messages from the messaging service.

[0056] At some later point, in step 5 the instrument hardware delivers a hardware status report to the service provider. The service provider does any necessary translation or addition of software status indicators and, having previously registered a status topic, then in step 6 publishes the status report to the messaging service under the previously-registered topic name. The messaging service, having previously received the subscription request from the client, then sends the status report to the client software at step 7, completing the process.

[0057]FIG. 3 illustrates some advantage of the system over other systems. As mentioned before, the use of a messaging service allows components to communicate without requiring each component to maintain information about the components with which it sends messages. Additionally, the two messaging techniques illustrated provide enough flexibility to allow direct component-to-component information sharing when necessary, while allowing for the more flexible publish/subscribe technique when direct communication is not necessary.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram is illustrated describing an exemplary instrument directory 405. As mentioned above, the primary purpose of the instrument directory is to contain and serve information about instruments connected to the system to facilitate communication between system components. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument directory is attached to a network 415, which can be of various networking types, as described above. The networking of the directory is particularly useful because it is in frequent communication with a number of system components in order that those components may communicate with each other. The illustrated embodiment relies upon a naming and directory interface for much of its communication. The use of a naming and directory interface allows system components to use system-specific names which can be translated by the interface into various types of network addressing schemes. Thus, as an example, system components can refer to each other through the use a standardized set of name strings, which the naming and directory interface can then translate into domain name server (DNS) or lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) names without requiring understanding of these addresses on the part of the system components. In one embodiment the Java Naming and Directory Interface® (JNDI) is used to provide this function. Associated with the naming and directory interface 420 is a data storage 435 which provides a resource for storing various name/address bindings, as well as other information.

[0059] One important feature of the instrument directory is the instrument information registry 425, which features detailed information about individual instruments so that system clients may discover which instruments are connected to the system. Illustrated is information for an example instrument “A.” In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument information registry maintains a physical location descriptor, here “aaaa.” In a typical laboratory, this is done so that a system client can discover whether or not a particular instrument is physically located near a given set of samples and thus is able to process those samples. The inclusion of a physical location indicator increases the utility of the system by allowing it to monitor and control instruments located laboratories that are physically separated with less confusion. The information registry 425 also contains type information, here “λ” and group information, here “bbbb.” In one embodiment, this information is used to identify the instrument as one of a general class of instruments and then to unique identify its type. One example would be an instrument of group “electrophoresis” with type “Applied Biosystems 3730.” Through the use of these descriptors, a client querying the system for instruments can gain information about every instrument of a particular type or group, filtering out only those instruments which are useful for a particular analysis. The type information is also useful for identifying which instrument type server is associated with the particular instrument, as will be described.

[0060] Next, the instrument information lists publishing information. As was described in the discussion with regard to FIG. 3b, topic descriptors “cccc” and “dddd” are listed for a particular instrument; in one embodiment these are for events and status information. Also listed in the illustrated embodiment is a publisher name “eeee.” The publisher name is included because, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, some instruments may utilize more than service provider, and thus it is useful to keep track of which service provider will be publishing for a given instrument.

[0061] The final set of information is a list of registered service providers for the instrument. While an instrument can have only one service provider software, the system contemplates that multiple service providers may be used by an instrument, and that they may be executed on different computers at different network locations. Thus, as illustrated, the service provider a lists its network location as 1111. In one embodiment, this is a direct network location, such as an IP address. In another, the service provider location is a system-specific identifier which may be resolved into a network address using the naming and directory interface 420 or the messaging service.

[0062] In addition to providing a network address, the service provider information also lists available interfaces for use through that service provider. In one embodiment, these interfaces are pre-determined sets of functions which can be utilized by clients to control or monitor instruments. Because the interfaces are pre-determined and understood by clients of the system, they provide a method by which clients can send communicate with instruments while trusting that their communications will be understood. A few interface types of general interfaces are listed as examples, and not by way of limitation. One interface, the Framework Instrument Interface, is expected by the system to be implemented by at least one service provider for every instrument. This interface provides a common set of instrument control commands to perform activities such as: starting an analysis run, pausing a run, performing diagnostics, getting the instrument status, stopping a run, and shutting down. In one embodiment, the methods in the instrument interface are associated with a pre-determined instrument state model to which it is assumed every instrument service provider will comply. Other optional interfaces which can be implemented are illustrated, such as interfaces to allow access to service history details or instrument status, or to give an instrument information about containers the instrument will encounter in assays. The use of pre-determined interfaces, and their listing on the instrument information registry, simplifies the process of implementing a service on an instrument, as an instrument software developer can know in advance what types of interaction a client will expect from each type of interface. Additionally, should a software developer decide to introduce a previously-unknown type of service at an instrument, new functions or interfaces can be added without the client software needing to understand implementations details.

[0063] Besides maintaining information about instrument and instrument service provider details, the instrument directory also provides a list 430 of active instruments. In one embodiment, this list exists so that instrument information can remain in the registry regardless of whether the instrument is available to perform analyses or be monitored. Thus, if an instrument is taken offline for some reason, the instrument can simply send a message to the instrument directory 405 requesting that it be taken off the active list. This will prevent clients from attempting to access the instrument until such a time as it is available again. One examples of a circumstances when this would be useful is the temporary disconnection of an instrument from the network for maintenance or software upgrade.

[0064] The instrument directory 405 also contains an instrument type server information registry 440, which contains a list of locations where instrument type servers can be found for each type of instrument. The type servers exist in order to serve clients information about controls available for each particular type of instrument, as well as any containers or assays that an instrument supports. In one embodiment, the types listed in the type server registry 440 correspond to types listed for each instrument in the instrument information registry 425, allowing a client to find an instrument type server for any instrument registered. Much like the service providers listed in the instrument information registry 425, the instrument type servers listed in the type registry 440 implement pre-defined interfaces. In one embodiment instrument type servers are implemented using the same interface objects as are used in service providers. While in one embodiment, separate type servers are used for each instrument type, in others instrument type servers are configured to deliver information about more than one instrument type. In yet another embodiment, a single instrument type server is implemented, the type server having information about every instrument type.

[0065] However, because these service providers exist specifically for the purpose of delivering type information, they typically have two pre-determined interfaces. One interface allows for the discovery by clients of supported containers and assays for a particular instrument type. In one embodiment this is done by returning XML data conforming to a pre-defined container and assay schema, upon request. The XML data in this embodiment describes types of containers and assays supported by the instrument type. An example of this XML data will be described in greater detail below. Another interface allows for the discovery by clients of particular manual controls that the instrument type supports. Again, in one embodiment this interface, upon request, returns XML data conforming to a pre-determined schema, the data giving parameters that may be controlled by a client. An example of this XML data will also be described below. The use of type servers to provide type-specific information has a number of advantages over existing systems. First, the use of dedicated type servers reduces traffic to instrument service providers and save computation by the service providers. Secondly, the use of type servers allows clients to learn of updates to a particular type of instruments in one communication, rather than having to query each individual instrument. Finally, because container, assay, and manual control information are typically provided by a type server, a client can discover most of the information it needs to prepare experiments and controls for multiple instruments with very few communications.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram of instrument hardware and software is described. An instrument service provider 505 is illustrated, comprising various components that are used in order to provide communication and control with the instrument hardware 510. In addition, networking and service middleware 515 is illustrated. This middleware conforms to the software running on the networking and service computers 132 and 140 as illustrated in FIG. 1, and is used typically to provide networked communications where the instrument hardware was designed with only a serial connection interface. In the example, TCP/IP is used to communicate between the service provider 505 and the middleware 515, however as discussed above, other networking protocols can be used.

[0067] The instrument service provider 505 itself comprises multiple software modules. While the software modules are illustrated as separate and distinct, their functions may be combined into fewer modules or broken down into more modules while incorporating various aspects. In addition, the modules may represent differing degrees of execution independence, including separately-running applications, individual process threads, or dynamically-linked libraries being executed by another application. One illustrated software module is the request/response module 520. This module contains software calls and hooks in order to allow messaging to be sent and received from the messaging service. In one embodiment, this software module also controls publication of event and status messages. The framework instrument interface 525 corresponds to the interface discussed above with respect to FIG. 4 which describes functions providing high-level control of the instrument. The service provider 505 also contains a state model 530, which describes at an abstract level a plurality of execution states which any instrument in the framework is expected to conform to. In accordance with this state model, the service provider maintains a record of the current state of the instrument 535. In one embodiment, the functions enumerated in the Framework Instrument Interface correspond with states and transitions in the state model 530. The state model is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0068] Because the state model 530 is not intended to conform to particular commands of the instrument hardware, the service provider maintains a software module 540 which acts as an interface to the instrument hardware 510. In one embodiment, this module understands the various commands accepted by the instrument hardware 510. In another, the module 540 is able to accept information provided by the instrument hardware, such as status reports. In addition, the service provider maintains the current state of the hardware 545 in order to give contextually-appropriate commands to the instrument. Software module 550 provides translation between the state model and the hardware interface. In one embodiment, the translation module is a mapping between transitions in the state model 530 and pluralities of hardware commands. In another the translation module 550 translates information received from the instrument hardware and modifies it for use with the messaging service. The final illustrated module is the instrument directory interface 555, which provides communication with the instrument directory. A separate interface is provided for directory communication because, as mentioned above, certain direct communications are needed with the instrument directory rather than through the messaging service.

[0069] The service provider illustrated in FIG. 5 demonstrates the advantages of the instrument wrapping and abstraction of the system. The numerous software modules of the service provider facilitate communication between clients and instrument hardware through the use of commonly-understood interfaces and messages. By allowing this communication to occur without requiring knowledge of the implementation of any particular instrument involved, the system once again invites simplified introduction and modification of instrumentation.

[0070]FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a process of introducing a new biological instrument into the system. The process illustrates one advantage of the system in that any instrument can be integrated with the system regardless of whether it has been designed with the open framework in mind or not. Depending on circumstances, the process of FIG. 6 may be performed by an investigator in a lab, a lab manager or technician, a programmer wishing to integrate the instrument into a laboratory using the illustrated system, or even the designer of the instrument itself. Starting at state 605, the new instrument is introduced into the laboratory. The ability of the instrument itself to recognize the open framework system are not important, and it is contemplated that instruments will vary. Some added instruments will be designed specifically with the open framework system in mind. Some instruments will pre-date the system or have control and monitoring systems designed without regard to being included in the illustrated framework. Other instruments will be duplicates of instruments already introduced to the laboratory. The term instrument will be used generally in the following discussions, so as to be inclusive of each of the various types of instruments mentioned above, as well as unmentioned instruments and biological instruments which are currently undeveloped.

[0071] Continuing to state 610, it is determined whether the instrument incorporates a computer. This is done in order to determine if the instrument could already support a computer corresponding to the instrument control computers 122 illustrated in FIG. 1. The word “incorporate” should be understood to indicate that the instrument utilizes a computer for control and monitoring. Thus the term incorporate includes instruments with an on-board computer, instruments connected through physical serial connections to a computer, instruments connected via a network to an associated computer, and also instruments utilizing a plurality of computers. If the instrument does not incorporate a computer, the process moves to state 625, where a computer implementing interfaces to the open framework system is associated with the instrument. In one embodiment, this is done by providing a computer running an instrument service provider. After associating a computer with the instrument, the process moves to state 640, where a networking and service computer is added to the instrument, so that it can be attached to a network. In one embodiment, the networking and service computer is separate from the computer executing the service provider; in another, they are integrated. The process then proceeds to state 645, where the instrument is connected into the laboratory framework. The particular details of the process of state 645 are described below in the discussion with respect to FIG. 7.

[0072] If, however, the instrument does incorporate a computer, the process continues to state 615, where it is determined whether or not the instrument supports the framework interfaces already. One method by which this could occur is if the instrument integrates a service provider. If the instrument does support the interface, the process proceeds to state 645, where the instrument is connected into the framework. If the instrument does not support the interfaces, the process continues to state 620, where it is determined whether or not the instrument interface can be modified to support the open framework. An example of an instrument that could support the interface would be an instrument which partially comprises a computer and for which a service provider has already been written, either by developers of the instrument who wish to update it or third parties. If the instrument cannot be modified to support the interface, the process continues to state 625, where a computer is incorporated in order to support the interface. If however, the instrument's interface can be modified, the process continues to a state 630, where service providers are installed on the instrument computer, and then to state 645, where the instrument is connected to the laboratory framework. After connecting the instrument to the frame work, the process of FIG. 6 ends. FIG. 6 illustrates the advantageous flexibility of the framework in that instruments with differing degrees of computer integration or framework support can be incorporated into the system. The end result of any path through the process is an instrument that can be understood by the system through easily-understood ways.

[0073]FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of the process of connecting an instrument into the laboratory framework and having that instrument discovered by the LIMS. The process of FIG. 7 corresponds to a process performed in state 635 of FIG. 6. Because some states in the process in FIG. 7 involve determinations by the LIMS in order to continue, delays of differing duration may occur before the continuation of the process at certain points. By including those waiting periods in the process description, FIG. 7 illustrates the ability of the system to provide instruments which are ready to be discovered and used when the LIMS is ready for them, rather than requiring lengthy set up processes. The process starts at a state 705, where the instrument is connected to the network. Depending on the particular characteristics of the instrument, this may involve connecting the instrument itself to a network, or connecting its associated computer 122 with service provider to a network.

[0074] Next, the process continues to a state 708, where the instrument begins an installation procedure. In one embodiment, this can be done through a call to the instruments associated computer 122 and service provider 123. In another embodiment, the framework installation procedure occurs when the service provider software itself is installed on a control computer 122. In another embodiment the installation occurs when the service provider software is installed on the instrument itself. In yet another embodiment the installation procedure is performed by a separate installation application. In one embodiment, this installation application also creates the service providers for the instrument. The process continues to state 710, where the instrument registers its type and particular parameters with the open framework system. This process is described in greater detail in the discussion below with respect to FIG. 8. The goal of registration is to provide relevant portions of the open framework with enough information that other instruments and analytical devices can design assays and workflows that make proper use of the instrument without having to query the instrument itself or understand particulars about its implementation. In both these and subsequent states, in the case where the service provider is already up and running, the service provider itself typically does the majority of system communication, sending messages to the actual instrument only when necessary. Thus, in one embodiment, must of the registration that follows is done by the service provider.

[0075] After the instrument is registered on the system, the process waits at state 713 for the LIMS to perform an instrument query. Then the process proceeds to state 715 which is where the LIMS becomes aware that the instrument is in the directory. This can happen in a number of ways. The LIMS may query the directory to determine if any new instruments have been added. The LIMS also may query the directory based on other criteria, such as all instruments of a specific type, or all instruments in a specific physical location. In another embodiment, the LIMS may ask to receive updates when new instruments are added to the registry. In that embodiment, as instruments are registered, the instrument directory broadcasts a message informing the LIMS that there is a new instrument available for use.

[0076] Once the LIMS knows of the existence of the instrument, it may learn about the instrument to determine if it would be useful for a given workflow or assay. Until this time, the process waits at a state 717 for the LIMS to need information about the instrument. Continuing to state 720, the LIMS retrieves information from the directory relating to the network location of the service provider implementing the interface through which the LIMS wishes to communicate. Next, at state 725, the LIMS discovers the instrument's type, in order to create assays that correspond to the instrument. Further explanation of the type discovery is described below in the discussion with respect to FIG. 9. After discovering the instrument type, the process of FIG. 7 ends.

[0077]FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of the registration process, corresponding to the process of state 710 in FIG. 3. Starting at state 805, an indicator of the location of the instrument directory is received by the installation software. In one embodiment, this indicator is the uniform resource locator of the instrument directory. In another embodiment the indicator is a local area network address. In yet another, embodiment, the indicator is an IP address. This indicator may be entered at different times; in one embodiment it is provided at the time the service provider software is installed, in another, it is provided at a later time, when a laboratory manager or other technician determines that the instrument should appear on the network. Next, at state 810, the installation software registers the name of the instrument, the instrument type, and any groups to which it belongs. The registered name may be any identifier, although a unique name is desirable. The instrument type is an indicator, corresponding to a particular instrument type server, that indicates that the instrument supports all services associated with that type server. The group indicator is used to include the instrument in a general class of instruments; one example would be gene sequencers.

[0078] Next, at a state 820, the installation software loops through a registration process for each of the instrument's service providers. In state 825, it registers the name of the service provider with the instrument directory. In state 830, it registers indicators of the interfaces that service provider supports. While it is expected that one of the service providers for each instrument will support the Framework Instrument Interface, other interfaces are optional. The installation software then registers the network location of the service provider with the directory so that it can be found for later communication. Then, at state 840, the process repeats for each unregistered service provider.

[0079] Once each service provider is registered, the process continues to state 845, where the installation software registers topic names to which events and status messages will be published, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 3. Next, the installation software, at state 850 registers container and assay parameters with the instrument type server for that instrument type. In one embodiment, if no type server exists for that instrument type, one is created and registered with the instrument directory. An example of a format of container and assay parameters is given below. Then, at state 855, manual control parameters are registered with the instrument type server.

[0080]FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment of a process by which the LIMS discovers instrument type parameters. Because not all states in FIG. 9 rely on each other for completion, other embodiments of the instrument parameter discovery can omit steps while incorporating inventive aspects. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the process of FIG. 9 can be performed by the LIMS upon registration. In addition, the process of FIG. 9 can be performed at any time the LIMS needs type-specific information about an instrument. Starting at state 905, the LIMS locates the type server for an instrument. As described above, this can be done by querying the instrument directory to provide the address of an instrument type server associated with a specific type. Then, at state 910, the LIMS sends a message to the type server requesting data describing supported container types. Next, at state 915, the LIMS, having received a response containing XML data describing the container types, creates a container based on the received parameters. An example of a container detailed in XML is given in FIG. 12. The process continues to state 920, where the LIMS sends a request to the type server for supported assay parameters and then to state 925, where the LIMS prepares assay information based on the parameter information received in the type server's response. One example of XML assay data is given in FIG. 13. The LIMS then, at state 930, requests manual control parameters from the instrument type server, and at state 935, receives XML data detailing the manual control parameters. One example of a set of manual control parameters is given in FIG. 14. FIG. 9 illustrates the ease of discovering a new instrument in the illustrated system. By reducing the process of receiving information about a instrument into three requests, the system reduces the amount of time needed for setup of an assay. Further, by utilizing XML data conforming to a specified schema for instrument parameters, the system is able to trust that a client will understand an instrument and be able to easily integrate it into assay workflows.

[0081]FIG. 10 illustrates a high-level process that occurs as a client, such as the LIMS, utilizes the open framework to perform an assay. The process illustrated in FIG. 10 demonstrates the ability of the open framework to automate and simplify the process of running assays in a biological laboratory. Beginning in state 1003, the LIMS becomes aware of a specific instrument connected to the framework system. As mentioned above with respect to state 715 of FIG. 7, this can happen through querying the instrument directory or by receiving an indication that a new instrument has been added to the laboratory framework system. At a later point, in state 1005, the LIMS determines that it requires the use of this instrument. Then, at state 1010, the LIMS discovers parameters from the instrument's type server, such as container and assay parameters and manual control parameters. One example of this process is described above with respect to FIG. 9.

[0082] Next, at state 1015, the LIMS determines if the instrument chosen at state 1005 requires data processed by another instrument. One example of this would be a software application for mutational analysis, which would require gene sequencer information in order to perform an analysis. In another embodiment, state 1015 would determine that the instrument required physical sample that must be processed in a specific way by another instrument, such as being processed by a thermal cycler. In yet another embodiment the LIMS determines at state 1015 that a physical sample is needed to be retrieved by a specific robot. If this is the case, then at a state 1020 the LIMS determines what data is needed. In one embodiment, this is done by inspecting the container data requested at state 1010. Once the data requirements are understood, at state 1025 the LIMS performs data (or sample) collected with the instrument identified at state 1015.

[0083] Whether another instrument was required at state 1015 or not, the process goes to state 1030 where the LIMS generates appropriate inputs for the instrument. In one embodiment, this preparation is based on parameters discovered at state 1010. The process then continues to state 1035, where the LIMS, utilizing either the Framework Instrument Interface or parameters discovered at state 1010, initiates analysis by the instrument. In other embodiments state 1035 may conform to commanding non-analytical processes, such as for a thermal cycler or a robot. Finally, at state 1040, the LIMS receives data from the instrument. FIG. 10 illustrates the simplicity of controlling and preparing an assay under the open framework. Because common interfaces are used, the process is relatively similar for any type of instrument, regardless of the analysis or task it performs. Additionally, the process of FIG. 10 illustrates the ease of integrating the output of one instrument with the requirements of another, and in an automated way that can reduce human error.

[0084]FIG. 11 illustrates exemplary functions implemented in one embodiment of the Framework Instrument Interface. While some embodiments utilize additional software interfaces for instrument control and monitoring, the Instrument Interface is provided here as an illustration of the types of functions that may be enumerated in an interface. The Framework Instrument Interface is one of the interfaces that a service provider may provide in order to allow for control and monitoring of an instrument at the abstract instrument state model level. As the other interfaces, implemented by service providers, clients call functions in the interface through messaging requests to an instrument's service provider. In one embodiment, every instrument is expected to implement the functions enumerated by the interface.

[0085] Because the Interface is intimately associated with the state model, some functions illustrated in FIG. 11 correspond to commands to transition between states in the instrument state model. One example of this is function 1155, StopImmediately( ), which causes an instrument to immediately cease whatever analysis task it is currently performing and transition to from the Pauseable state into the Abort state. Other functions illustrated in FIG. 11 perform status tasks, such as function 1105, GetInstState( ), which returns an instrument's state to the requesting client, or function 1110 GetInstStatus( ), which returns a status response message to the requesting client. In one embodiment, function 1120, ManualControlCommand( ), has a special role. It is utilized to pass a command code, usually in the form of a string, to the instrument in order to execute a manual control command. Thus, through function 1120, a client can issues commands in a more direct manner to the instrument, without being constrained by the state model. This is necessary for instrument-specific commands, and, as mentioned above, the parameters used to create a manual control command are received by a client by calls to the instrument's associated type server. The use of this particular interface is advantageous in that it provides for a commonly-understood set of commands that work across all instruments. By tying the commands of the Framework Instrument Interface into the universal state model, a broad-based method of control is created that any client can trust in. This makes instrument addition to the system easier for clients, as they can trust that, at a minimum, certain functions will be supported by any new instrument.

[0086]FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary piece of XML data that describes parameters for a particular container and assay. The piece of data illustrated in FIG. 12 is cut from a larger piece of data for ease of explanation; thus the example data is not necessarily representative as a complete container and assay data sample and is not necessarily in proper XML format. Additionally, only a few types of parameters are represented in the Figure as examples; this does not limit the number or type that can be used in an implementation of the system. While the use XML data to describe container, assay, and manual control parameters is advantageous because XML lends itself to extendibility, other data types may be used while incorporating inventive aspects. Typically, the parameter data illustrated in FIG. 12 would be gained by a client by querying an instrument type server. This process of querying and receiving data would conform to steps 910-925 of FIG. 9. Upon receipt of this data, a client would be able to create containers and assays for use in the queried type of instrument by interpreting the parameters listed in the data. In addition, the data also contains information which can be used to create a graphical user interface for the particular type of instrument. One the client had determined available parameters for the container and assays for that instrument, the client would then be able to create a set of XML data describing the particular containers and assays to be used.

[0087] Section 1210 of the data demonstrates descriptor parameters used to identify a container. The descriptor parameters can also be used in a graphical user interface used to set container information. Thus columns, such as “Container Name,” “Container Barcode ID,” and “Comment” are suggested for any user interface used to create containers. This is done in order that a lab technician creating a set of containers for testing will know which pieces of identifying information are necessary for proper tracking of the containers. Next, the data defines a number of entries that describe necessary container information parameters. Each parameter comprises a section similar to sections 1215, where descriptors for that parameter are listed. In section 1215, the container information is revealed to be the type of plate that is to be used in the instrument. Then, in section 1220, specific different values are given for this parameter; in this circumstance the client is given a choice between identifying a 96 well plate type of container or a 384 well plate type of container. If a graphical user interface is created from this XML data, this section could be used to create a set of selection buttons or a drop down menu from which a lab technician could describe the type of plate that comprises the container.

[0088] Section 1225 demonstrates a different type of parameter. In this section, rather than define specific parameter values, the path of a Java class is given. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, a client could create a software object instance of the Java class listed, and then use this class's methods to populate assay data for that container. Other embodiments may use different programming languages, as will be understood. This is advantageous over listing specific values as it allows complex data collection to be handled by software, simplifying the XML data, and allowing for the client to use the enumerated class to perform necessary calculations to create parameter data. In one embodiment, the class provides a user interface for entering data. In one embodiment, the class provides a method which creates XML data that can be sent to the instrument along with other container and assay parameters at the time an assay is to be performed. In yet another embodiment, a serialized version of the class itself is sent to an instrument's service provider, which is then utilized by the service provider to set instrument parameters.

[0089] Section 1230 is similar to section 1220, in that it also describes a list of parameters, this time describing a method of plate sealing for a container, and giving parameters “septa” and “heat seal” as choices. As above, these choices can be represented to a client in a user interface. Moving ahead to section 1235, a third type of parameter is shown. Here, the scheduling preference parameter is allowed to be any integer between a minimum and maximum value; in this case the range is 123-3210. Thus a client can see that a value must be set for this parameter within this range, and provide a user with the prompting to do so. In a graphical user interface, this might be done through the use of an input box or slider tool. FIG. 12 illustrates just a few of the types of parameters that can be included in XML data for a instrument type. By representing parameters in this manner, rather than through less-expandable encoding schemes, the system allows for new types of parameter data to be easily added to the XML descriptions. In addition, by supporting dynamically-created software objects in parameter data, the system prevents the types of data being shared from being limited by any particular form of data.

[0090]FIG. 13 illustrates an example of XML data describing a particular container. In one embodiment, this is created by a client after receipt of parameter data, such as in FIG. 12, in order to instruct an instrument of the particulars of a container being used for an assay. The data can then be sent to an instrument or held by a client to be requested when an instrument is ready for an assay. FIG. 13 illustrates some XML code describing a container that follows the parameters of FIG. 12. As in FIG. 12, the data illustrated in FIG. 13 is cut from a larger example, and is not meant to represent a complete container description, or proper XML formatting. Starting at section 1305, the container's descriptive information is given, including name, ID, owner, and comment. These descriptors correspond to the descriptor parameters given in section 1210 of FIG. 12. Sections 1310 and 1315 describe data chosen based on parameters received in the XML data of FIG. 12. In section 1310, which corresponds to the parameters described in section 1230 of FIG. 12, the container data describes itself as utilizing a heat seal, and utilizes one of the values described in section 1230. In section 1315, a scheduling preference number is given, which is taken from the range described in section 1235 of FIG. 12.

[0091] Section 1320 gives one example of a set of assay data. This data describes a particular well of the container (A1), gives a sample name and tracking ID, and describes the assay protocol used and how the results should be stored. Unlike the data described in sections 1305, 1310, and 1315, this data does not correspond to parameters explicitly given by any section of FIG. 12. Instead, the data given was created by the use of an instantiation of the class described in section 1225 of FIG. 12. Thus it is illustrated how a more complex piece of container or assay data may be created by a class described in parameter XML data.

[0092]FIG. 14 illustrates XML data describing manual control parameters for an instrument, in this case an electrophoresis instrument. Data such as in FIG. 14 will typically be obtained by a client after a manual commands request to an instrument type server. Then, as discussed above, command strings can be sent to an instrument using the Framework Instrument Interface. As in FIGS. 12 and 13, the data included in FIG. 14 is cut from a larger example and is not meant to represent a complete set of manual control parameters, nor strict XML code.

[0093] At section 1405, and indication of a group of commands is given; in this example, the group is electrophoresis commands. In one embodiment, a given instrument may have more than one group of commands, such as commands describing an over used to heat a sample and a syringe used to deliver the same to and from a well. Sections 1410-1425 describe parts of the XML data for a particular command. In section 1410, the name of the command is given; in this case it is to set the power supply. In section 1415, a command string is given. This, along with the parameter given in section 1425, is what a client would send an instrument in order to manually turn the electrophoresis power on or off. Next, at section 1420, a comment describing the nature of the command is given. The use of the name and comment indicators is advantageous if a client wishes to provide a user interface to the laboratory technician that is setting up the instrument. Then in section 1425, the parameters are given for the command. Here, they are a list consisting of on and off. In other embodiments, a list of different lengths or utilizing non-string values can be used.

[0094] Two other types of commands are illustrated in contrast to the one described above. In section 1445, a command is illustrated for an electrophoresis voltage setting. Rather than provide a list of discrete settings, the command parameters in section 1445 describe a floating-point value in the range 0.0-15.0. Thus, a client can submit a command request giving any value in this range and trust that the instrument will accept the command. In section 1460 a command is illustrated allowing a client to request a reading of the electrophoresis voltage from an instrument. As this is a request for a value, no parameters are listed and the client needs only be made aware of the command string.

[0095] As with the other XML data examples given, the example of FIG. 14 demonstrates the flexibility of the system in that multiple types of instrument parameters can be described and delivered to a client, while giving enough information that a simple command can be sent back to the instrument to implement the client's needs.

[0096]FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 illustrate, in one embodiment of the invention, XML schemas defining the structure of XML data used to discover instrument parameters. FIG. 15 illustrates a schema describing samples and container parameters. The schema illustrated in FIG. 15 describes the structure of the XML data example illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 16 illustrates a schema for describing parameters for an assay and containers for that assay. The schema illustrated in FIG. 16 describes the structure of the XML data example illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 17 illustrates a schema describing manual control parameters for an instrument type. The schema illustrated in FIG. 17 describes the structure of the XML data example illustrated in FIG. 14. It should be understood that certain variations and modifications of this invention will suggest themselves to one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the illustrations or the foregoing descriptions thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A communications and control system for a biological laboratory having at least one user-interfaced client for controlling and monitoring biological assays and a plurality of instruments, each with at least one associated logical component, for obtaining identification information about biological samples, the system comprising: a plurality of logical components for the instruments that receive commands from the laboratory management system and instruct the plurality of instruments to process at least one biological sample; wherein the plurality of logical components include at least one sample analyzer logical component for at least one sample analyzer that receives commands from the management system such that the at least one sample analyzer is instructed by the at least one sample analyzer logical component to obtain identification information about the biological sample; a central management component in communication with the laboratory management system, wherein the central management component identifies at least one pre-defined set of instrument instructions for controlling the operation of the plurality of instruments or for communicating with the plurality of instruments; wherein the central management component has at least one data structure that identifies the logical location of the plurality of logical components including the at least one sample analyzer logical component; and wherein additional instruments having associated logical components can be added to the management system by updating the data structure as to the logical location of the logical component of the additional instrument such that management component is made aware of the logical location of the logical components associated with the instrument and the additional instrument can be controlled by a user via the user-interfaced client connected to the central management component without requiring modification of the at least one pre-defined set of instructions or modification of the at least one user-interfaced client.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sample analyzer includes one at least one sequence analyzer or bioinformatics platform that analyze DNA, RNA or protein constituents of biological samples.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of logical components further includes logical components for at least one thermal cycler.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of logical components further includes logical components for at least one robot, the robot equipped to locate and physically transfer biological samples.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of logical components includes logical components for at least one of biological data processor that performs one or more of the following functions: single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, structural analysis, and homology analysis.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the central management component comprises: at least one instrument type server that is associated with a specific instrument type and which responds to a set of pre-defined instrument type instructions by providing data which describe instrument parameters; an instrument directory that contains information identifying each of the plurality of instruments, including indicators of the at least one logical component associated with each of the plurality of instruments, identifies at least one pre-defined set of instructions implemented by the logical components, and contains information identifying the type and logical address of at least one instrument type server; and a messaging service that transmits communications between the plurality of instruments.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the central management component responds to a request by one of the at least one user-interfaced clients for information about a requested instrument or instrument type server with a response containing a logical address for at least one logical component associated with the requested instrument or for the instrument type server so that the management system can utilize the logical address to communicate with the logical component or instrument type server via the messaging service.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein: the information contained in the instrument directory identifying each of the plurality of instruments includes information identifying one or more of the following: instrument type, instrument groups, unique instrument serial numbers, instrument availability, and physical locations for instruments; and the central management component provides at least some of this information to at least one user-interfaced client in response to a request by a user-interfaced client to thereby permit a user to evaluate the available instrument in the laboratory.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein: the information contained in the instrument directory identifying each of the plurality of instruments includes a list of topics under which messages will be published by at least one logical component associated with each instrument; the messaging service allows user-interfaced clients to register to receive all messages published by a logical component that correspond to topics selected by the user-interfaced clients; and the messaging service responds to publication request for a message under an associated topic from a logical component by sending the message to each of the at least one user-interfaced clients that registered to receive messages under that topic.
 10. The system of claim 6, wherein: the instrument directory implements the Java Naming and Directory Interface; the messaging service implements the Java Messaging service; each pre-defined set of instrument instructions comprises a predefined Java interface; and the set of pre-defined instrument type instructions comprises a predefined Java interface.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein each logical component implements at least one interface whose enumerated methods provide for one or more of the following: control for a biological instrument by implementing the pre-defined instructions, receiving instrument status information, receiving instrument history information, and transmitting container and assay information to an instrument.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the logical component comprises a plurality of software modules, including: a state model module, which maintains an instrument state that corresponds to a pre-defined general instrument state model, wherein the at least one interface implementing pre-defined instructions contains a plurality of commands for causing transitions within the state model; and a translation module, which translates commands received via the at least one interface implementing commands for causing transitions within the state model and translates these commands into commands which are understood by the instrument hardware.
 13. The system of claim 6, wherein the data which describe instrument parameters that is provided by each instrument type server includes data describing container and assay parameters and data describing manual control parameters for all instruments of the instrument type associated with the instrument type server.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the data which describe instrument parameters that is provided by each instrument type server comprises XML data corresponding to at least one pre-defined schema.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein: at least one pre-defined set of instructions implemented by a logical component associated with an instrument includes a manual control command which takes pre-defined command lines and parameters as input and directly controls the instrument hardware based on the commands and parameters; and the pre-defined command lines and parameters are provided by an instrument type server associated with the instrument to which the manual control command is associated.
 16. A control and communications system for a biological laboratory having at least one sample analyzer and biological data processor, the system comprising: a client component having a user interface that allows a user to gain access and control or monitor the operation of biological instruments in the biological laboratory; a plurality of instrument components associated with each of the plurality of instruments, wherein the plurality of instrument components include an instrument component for a sample analyzer that receives commands selected from at least one pre-set list of commands from the control system and translates the commands into a format that induces an associated sample analyzer to obtain identification information about the biological sample and an instrument component for biological data processor receives commands selected from at least one pre-set list of commands from the control system and translates the commands into a format that induces an associated biological data processor to analyze the identification information obtained by the sample analyzer and provides signals indicative of the analysis; at least one directory that provides information to the client component as to the logical location of the plurality of instrument components such that the client component can determine how to access the plurality of instrument components by reference to the at least one directory wherein the at least one directory includes information about the at least one pre-set list of commands that the client component can use to send signals to the plurality of instrument components to induce the sample analyzer to obtain the identification information and to induce the biological data processor to analyze the identification information; a messaging service that transmits messages to and from the plurality of instrument components and the client component in a standardized format wherein the messaging service, the at least one directory and the client component are configured such that additional instruments can be added to the laboratory by associating an instrument component with the instrument and updating the at least one directory with information about the logical location of the instrument component and at least one pre-set list of commands for the instrument component without requiring the modification of the at least one pre-set list of commands or modification of the client component.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the instrument component for a sample analyzer is a component for a sequence analyzer or bioinformatics platform that analyzes DNA, RNA or protein constituents of biological samples.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the instrument component for a biological data processor is a component a biological data processor that performs one or more of the following functions: single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, structural analysis, and homology analysis.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of instrument components further includes instrument components for at least one thermal cycler.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of instrument components further includes instrument components for at least one robot, the robot equipped to locate and physically transfer biological samples.
 21. The system of claim 16, further comprising at least one instrument type server that is associated with a specific instrument type and which responds to a set of pre-defined instrument type commands by providing data which describe instrument parameters; and wherein the at least one directory contains information identifying each of the plurality of instruments and contains information identifying the type and logical address of at least one instrument type server.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein at least one directory responds to a request by the client component for information about a requested instrument or instrument type server with a response containing a logical address for at least one instrument component associated with the requested instrument or for the instrument type server so that the client can utilize the logical address to communicate with the instrument component or instrument type server via the messaging service.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein: the information contained in the at least one directory identifying each of the plurality of instruments includes information identifying one or more of the following: instrument type, instrument groups, unique instrument serial numbers, instrument availability, and physical locations for instruments; and the at least one directory provides at least some of this information to the client component in response to a request by the client component to thereby permit a user to evaluate the available instrument in the laboratory.
 24. The system of claim 21, wherein: the information contained in the at least one directory identifying each of the plurality of instruments includes a list of topics under which messages will be published by at least one instrument component associated with each instrument; the messaging service allows user-interfaced clients to register to receive all messages published by an instrument component that correspond to a topics selected by the client component; and the messaging service responds to publication request for a message under an associated topic from an instrument component by sending the message to each of the at least one user-interfaced clients that registered to receive messages under that topic.
 25. The system of claim 21, wherein: the instrument directory implements the Java Naming and Directory Interface; the messaging service implements the Java Messaging service; each pre-set list of commands comprises a pre-defined Java interface; and the set of pre-defined instrument type commands comprises a predefined Java interface.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein each instrument component implements at least one interface whose enumerated methods provide for one or more of the following: control for a biological instrument by implementing the predefined instructions, receiving instrument status information, receiving instrument history information, and transmitting container and assay information to an instrument.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein each instrument component comprises a plurality of software modules, including: a state model module, which maintains an instrument state that corresponds to a pre-defined general instrument state model, wherein the at least one interface implementing pre-set commands contains a plurality of commands for causing transitions within the state model; and a translation module, which translates commands received via the at least one interface implementing commands for causing transitions within the state model and translates these commands into commands which are understood by the instrument hardware.
 28. The system of claim 21, wherein the data which describe instrument parameters that is provided by each instrument type server includes data describing container and assay parameters and data describing manual control parameters for all instruments of the instrument type associated with the instrument type server.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the data which describe instrument parameters that is provided by each instrument type server comprises XML data corresponding to at least one pre-defined schema.
 30. The system of claim 28, wherein: at least one pre-defined set of instructions implemented by an instrument component associated with an instrument includes a manual control command which takes pre-defined command lines and parameters as input and directly controls the instrument hardware based on the commands and parameters; and the pre-defined command lines and parameters are provided by an instrument type server associated with the instrument to which the manual control command is associated.
 31. A method of controlling the operation of a biological laboratory, the method comprising: associating an instrument component with a biological sample analyzer such that the instrument component translates received instructions to the biological sample analyzer so that the biological sample analyzer can be instructed to capture identification information about a biological sample; associating an instrument component with a biological data processor such that the instrument component translates received instructions to the biological data processor so that the biological data processor can be instructed to analyze identification information captured by the biological sample analyzer; maintaining a directory of information for each of the instrument components within the laboratory such that a user interface can determine by accessing the directory which of at least one pre-set list of instructions are implemented by each instrument component so that the user interface can access an instrument to implement a process; and adding an additional instrument into the biological laboratory by associating an instrument component to the newly added instrument and updating the directory as to the instrument component such that the new instrument can be accessed by the user interface to implement a process without requiring modification of the user interface or to any of the at least one pre-set list of instructions.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising transmitting signals between the user interface and the instrument components using a pre-set list of instructions which are then translated by the instrument component and provided to the instrument to thereby control the instrument.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein associating an instrument component comprises drafting a translation process to translate the standard set of instructions into instructions that the instrument is pre-programmed to implement.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the biological sample analyzer can be instructed to analyze DNA, RNA or protein constituents of biological samples.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the biological data process can be instructed to perform one of the following functions: single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, structural analysis, and homology analysis.
 36. The method of claim 31, further comprising maintaining at least one set of instrument type information such that the user interface can determine instrument type parameters by accessing a server where the type information is maintained through a pre-set list of instrument type commands.
 37. The method of claim 31, further comprising transmitting a signal to the user interface to indicate that an additional instrument is available in the laboratory.
 38. The method of 31, further comprising: maintaining in the directory of information for each instrument a list of topics under which message will be published by at least one instrument component associated with each instrument; registering the user interface with a messaging service such that the user interface can receive all messages published by an instrument component that correspond to topics selected by the user interface; and transmitting messages under a listed topic name to the messaging service so that the messages will be sent to every user interface that registered to receive messages under the listed topic.
 39. The method of claim 36, further comprising responding to a request by the user interface for information about a requested instrument or instrument type with a response containing a logical address for at least one instrument component associated with the requested instrument or with a logical address for a server containing a set of instrument type information for the requested type so that the user interface can access the requested instrument or instrument type information through a messaging service.
 40. The method of claim 36, wherein determining instrument type parameters comprises receiving XML data corresponding to at least one pre-defined schema describing instrument type parameters. 